示

shì

Definitions

shì (verb) to show; to reveal

Etymology

Depicts a memorial tablet used for spiritual rituals.

About

示 originated as a pictograph of a memorial tablet, typically made of wood or stone, that served as a focal point in rituals for communicating with ancestors and deities. As a semantic component, it grounds many characters related to religion, spirits, and the divine, signaling a connection to the sacred. The top horizontal stroke indicates the tablet's flat surface, while the lower strokes suggest its pedestal and the spiritual energy descending from the divine realm to humanity. Originally, 示 referred to divine signs revealed by ancestors or celestial phenomena. Over time, the meaning shifted from specific sacred revelation to the general notion of showing, revealing, or indicating in everyday human affairs.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他表示同意我的建议。

Tā biǎoshì tóngyì wǒ de jiànyì.

He expressed agreement with my suggestion.

老师示范了正确的写法。

Lǎoshī shìfàn le zhèngquè de xiěfǎ.

The teacher demonstrated the correct way of writing.

这张图显示了他的位置。

Zhè zhāng tú xiǎnshì le tā de wèizhi.

This picture shows his location.

他暗示我不要再说了。

Tā ànshì wǒ bùyào zài shuō le.

He hinted that I should not say more.

博物馆展示了很多文物。

Bówùguǎn zhǎnshì le hěn duō wénwù.

The museum exhibited many cultural relics.

这些迹象预示着一场风暴。

Zhèxiē jìxiàng yùshì zhe yī chǎng fēngbào.

These signs foreshadow a storm.

工程师演示了新的软件功能。

Gōngchéngshī yǎnshì le xīn de ruǎnjiàn gōngnéng.

The engineer demonstrated the new software features.

上级指示我们必须按时完成。

Shàngjí zhǐshì wǒmen bìxū ànshí wánchéng.

The superiors instructed that we must finish on time.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 示

Example Words